Remember planes and airports?

Until a few weeks ago, my last flight was returning home from visiting my family is Australia the week Covid arrived in Australia.  I've always loved air travel, no matter how long or short the flight but strangely, I hadn't missed it.  I'd just forgotten how good it feels.

The weather gods were out to please me on both the day I traveled down to Taranaki and yesterday, the day I came back.   The beauty of having two short flights is the plane stays low enough to allow good views of the countryside below.  On the flights south I just sat there enthralled, with my eyes glued to the sights below.  I'd forgotten how beautiful our world is.

After the downgraded version of Cyclone Dovi passed over us in Taranaki when I was family sitting while my daughter was in hospital in Hamilton and her husband was keeping her company, I'd been watching the weather, waiting for the wind to die down, wondering if my flight would be cancelled as New Plymouth airport is right on the coast and subject to bad winds. 

I couldn't take any photos of the first leg of the journey as the plane window was so scratched I could barely see out of it. (Not good enough, Air New Zealand.)

The window was slightly better on the next leg, my photos are still murky.

 

Sorry about the crooked horizon.  I've forgotten how to straighten it.  This is a semi-regular occurrence, I'll remember again in a couple of days. 

Tide was out coming into Whangarei

It's good to be home.  I enjoyed my time in Taranaki despite the fact we didn't leave the house much.  My daughter was concerned about having to postpone her surgery if she caught Covid. 

Yesterday's scene

 My outlook is vastly different today.  I think we are enveloped in the clouds that hang around the mountain.  Still raining, really heavy downpours from time to time.  A stay at home and relax sort of day.

Time passes

I've just realized my last post was just after Christmas.  As it turns out it wasn't my last, just my latest because here I am with the will to post again.  Thought it might have left me permanently.

I've been through a bit of a down time, no particular reason why, just lost enthusiasm for life (and blogging) there for a while.

At the moment I am grandson, dog and cat sitting in Taranaki while my daughter is in hospital having an operation.  Nothing too serious, thankfully.

Mustn't forget the three sheep and a goat.  Here's my youngest with the ram.  I could write a book about this girl and her pets, she's had a pet of some description at her heels since she was a toddler.

 

The sheep have been shorn since I arrived.  It's been really warm and humid, so they are lucky to be without their heavy coats.  The little dog, Jasper, seems to think there's something interesting in the wool.  He's wonderful company but I think he is fretting a bit.  I hope he'll be happier at the weekend when Aiden will be home all day.

No pics of Lola, the cat I gave to Justine as a rescue kitten over 12 years ago.  She's always been aloof.  I remember how she wouldn't come into the house when Aiden was a baby and in the living area.  She'd wait until he was out of sight and asleep.  She's now like that with the dog.  But she has finally mellowed a little and will let you touch her - briefly.

The house next door is for sale and thanks to their For Sale ad I have this drone photo of my daughter's home and Mt Taranaki.  (We cut the neighbour's house out of it.)

This is the lovely view of the ranges from my bedroom.  The lawn and hills will be green again in a day or two after all this rain.

It's raining lightly today and slightly cooler.  We had really heavy rain a few days ago and more predicted for this weekend.

Christmas 2021

For the first time ever I spent Christmas Day on the road.  And for the first time in many years my three NZ based children and their families and I were not together.  We had hoped my son in Brasil would be home for Christmas this year but that was a pipe dream.  

My older daughter, Leone and I spent Christmas Eve with my older son and his family.  There's no denying Christmas is always better when there are little children and their contagious, joyful excitement.

 

After a quick visit to my grandson, Michael at his partner's family home, Leone and I hit the road for the long drive to Taranaki and my younger daughter's family.  For our Christmas lunch we each had a chicken sandwich purchased from a petrol station.  Perhaps the best part was ripping them from their cardboard and plastic wrapping.  And, of course, a specially purchased drink of cold water.

The roads were quiet and we arrived to a warm welcome from Justine's family who, for their first time had also spent Christmas Day without other family.  Leone's daughter, Jami arrived the next morning so that's when we had our 'celebration'.

Jami's smile always lights up a room.

We filled our few days away with archery, table tennis and a board game which I actually enjoyed.  I'm not a great lover of board games, usually get bored.

Here's my favourite photo.  Late in the day, Justine and Jami preparing to take a selfie - until Justine realised her dress was the same colour as the shelter cloth.

 

Two young men and three young ladies

Three weeks without a post. I had nothing to say.  Then, in one day, I have at least three good stories to tell.  Well, I think they are good anyway.  

But first, a little rant about something that astounds me.  I've just heard on the radio that supermarkets here are putting up "Shop nice" signs to remind customers to not abuse the staff.  Really?  I'm glad I won't be going near the shops again between now and Christmas if that is a happening thing.  But then I remember that yesterday at the doctors surgery a young mother with two little children was very rude to the receptionist.  Because we are at Covid code red as I call it (it's complicated) the desk was set up in the doorway of the surgery.  The young mum insisted it had been 1.45 pm but it was already 2.10 and she'd lost her appointment.  The receptionist found her another time slot with another doctor later in the day but that didn't suit madam who spat out, "Bloody ridiculous" and turned to walk away, nearly knocking me over in doing so.   

I felt so sorry for the receptionist, she was obviously upset, I said something I hope was appropriate and reached out and touched her arm.  Then had to apologise for touching her and we both had a laugh and sanitised.  That's what the galloping covids has done to us.  I'm fed us with this climate of fear that our government and the media are trying to force upon us. 

Three times earlier in the day I'd wanted to give people a hug.  I don't cope with what I don't want to hear very well these days.  I know my eyesight has gone downhill quickly but I really wanted to hear differently from my delightful Scottish optometrist, or at least that a change of glasses might help.  Nope, this is it until I get the cataracts removed.  I miss reading.  Thankfully, I can enlarge the print here on the computer.

Anyway, to cheer myself up I decided to treat myself to lunch at a favourite cafe which I used to visit quite frequently but haven't for a month or so.  It was lovely to be recognised by the smiling Thai owner who asked had I been well?  Is the pumpkin and kumara salad still my favourite?  That's life as I know it and want it!

So, where are the two young men, you ask.  I'm getting there.

My next stop was at the supermarket. As I was driving in my phone rang. Seeing it was from my younger daughter I rang her back after I parked and turned on the air con as it was quite warm. The bad news was a student at my grandson's school has Covid, the good news is Aiden is not regarded as a close contact at this stage so should not have to isolate meaning Christmas is still happening at their place. 

The young lady at the entrance who keeps count of how many are in the store at any one time is a cheerful soul who has a kind word for everyone and laughs easily. She has one of those laughs you don't forget in a hurry and the security guard seems to keep her amused. But when I came out of the store I was her amusement. I said goodbye to her while reaching into my handbag for my car keys. No car keys, she offered to have another look in my bag for me, definitely no keys. She offered to keep an eye on my trolley while I checked the car and would you believe it? There they were in the ignition, aircon still running. The lass burst out laughing when she saw me coming back to her, brandishing the car keys. She assured me she would write to Santa and ask him to give me one of those things you wear around your neck, I think she meant a lanyard. She could have meant a leash.

I daresay you've guessed what happened next? Yep, flat car battery. I was just about to ring the Automobile Association for assistance when a refrigeration company work vehicle parked beside me and a young man got out. I quickly askd him if he had time to help me and he didn't hesitate. I had jumper leads in the boot and we tried those but they weren't long enough but he had some too and, yes, they reached. Honestly, the whole thing took about 3 minutes. He reminded me of my grandson, Michael so I told him I'd be proud if he were my grandson to which he replied that he wished he still had a grandmother. His cheerful kindness warmed my heart.

Next comes the second lovely young man. Actually this time it was one young man and one middle aged man.

As I was parking the car at my next stop the older man tapped on my side window. Startled me a bit. I wound down the window and he asked was I pulling in or pulling out. I think I may have frowned, because to me it was pretty obvious I was pulling in. Then I noticed a young man had come to stand in front of the car, pointing at my bonnet. They wanted to stop me in case I was pulling out with my bonnet not properly latched. My bad. When I dropped the bonnet at the supermarket I hadn't noticed that we hadn't put the battery cover back on correctly and that had stopped the bonnet from latching properly.

The older man drove off when he saw the young man was taking care of me. He then walked into the shop with me and made sure I had my mask on and scanned in correctly.

I must look dolally as well as old.

I don't know why I wasn't so successful with young men when I was young enough to take advantage.

Fritz

Remember my unexpected visitors last week?  The cute little blonde girl and the little dog?

Fritz has been on the loose again in the village and this time has found a friendly cat. Thanks to whoever posted this photo on Facebook, I know he was hanging around the school and the retirement village, he obviously likes people, regardless of age.

I hope the little girl didn't see him at school, she must have been heart broken when she had to give him back.  Or maybe he went to school to see her.  

Lady, help me ...

"Please help me. Your cat attacked my dog."

A little blonde girl, a bundle of blonde cuteness with at least four top teeth missing, was standing outside my kitchen window, bouncing from foot to foot, obviously agitated.  I had expected her to ask to use the bathroom.

She pointed an accusatory finger in the direction of the cat, who was obviously on guard duty, looking nearly as agitated as the little girl.  

I rushed to her aid hoping my cat had not done any damage because she is fiercely territorial and very unfriendly.  I asked the name of the dog so we could call him and both little hands went over her face as she dropped her head, and said, "Oh no.  I can't remember!  I only got him today and I've lost him already."

He was easy to find, came running up to her as soon as we walked into the back yard.  A little foxy.  She scooped him up and away she went interspersing "Thank you, lady" with kisses to the dog's head and the occasional "He's heavy".

I hope she enjoyed the short time she had that little puppy for a pet.  Can imagine how heartbroken she must have been when his owners came to pick him up.  He's the village escapee, a regular on the community Facebook page, known and loved by many in the community and the little girl's dad had already posted a photo of the little girl holding him, looking for the owner and saying a little someone was falling in love.  I will know Fritz if I see him again on one of his many adventures.  And I'll certainly recognize that dear little girl.

Alleycat, dog attacker

Wants and needs

I thought I'd sorted out years ago the difference between wants and needs and when my children were teenagers I mastered the art of explaining the difference quite succinctly.

Yet during the week I found myself totally convincing myself that my want, my desire, my craving to see my son and his little daughter had become a need.  And for a brief few hours I wasn't functioning as normal, I behaved like a teenager denied a Saturday night party.  Luckily there was no-one around to witness my mini hissy fit, my angry ranting about our bloody government and their 'need' to keep our borders locked so tightly, denying their citizens who live elsewhere the right to come home.  I really did let my frustration get the better of me.  My admonition to myself to 'let it go' made no difference, the very thought that I have no control over the situation just riled me more.

To distract myself I decided to go for a drive to the nearest cafe and have coffee and cake.  And take photos of the countryside to remind myself I have so much for which I should be thankful.  However, it seemed even Zeus was on my side, I drove into a storm.  Although it did me good to stop on the roadside and take in the rural scenes, the rainy day photos aren't the best.

 

Even the spring flowers seemed to be having a bad day.

It really wasn't my best day.  The absolutely decadent looking cake I chose for myself, giving the fingers to healthy eating and anything else that could be associated with what I should or should not do or feel, was horrible.

And that nearly sent me to the point of hysteria, I thought it was so funny. 

I felt better immediately.

Harbourside

I've been saved from dwelling on the demise of the English language by a weekend at the beach.  I was first told I had antiquated views of the use of English over thirty years ago, so it's unlikely to be the last time it occupies my thoughts seeing as my views haven't changed.

My daughter has been the other member of my bubble during our Covid lockdown and this weekend instead of her visiting me to see if I'm OK, I went to stay with her.  Her current house-sit is my favourite of all the places she's stayed.  It's right on the harbour beachfront, not the flashest of houses, its design is a bit higgly-piggly but it has a feeling of home for me.  

Thanks to a lovely friend who offered to call in to feed my two cats, I stayed two nights and now feel like I've had two week's holiday. 

And because of very changeable weather the view out the front of the house was constantly changing.   I could probably claim to have seen the four seasons in two days.  No, not really, although the wind was extremely fresh from time to time it was never cold.

When I arrived on Saturday white caps were racing across the harbour.

The little boats out front were bobbing around and I spent most of the day on Sunday, when rain came along to accompany the wind, worrying about that little boat on the right.  I thought it was sitting too low on the water. 

 

It was fine.

  

Last night the wind and rain really strengthened but it was all blown over by this morning when the harbour was as calm as usual, sun shining and the little boat added to the charm of the place.

 

A boat came down the channel and looked to be heading out to sea but it just did a quick tour around the anchored boats before returning to the marina.  Some sort of harbour watch I guess.

I had a quick stroll along the beachfront before returning home.  Correction, a short, slow stroll.  There were a few people out enjoying the sunshine. 

Lately I've had a hankering to feel the wind of a west coast beach on my face.  That would not have been acceptable under the current Covid level but that changes from tomorrow night, so that's where I'll be heading in the next few days. 

Pegs and pins

I can't remember the details of the chit chat but somewhere along the line I promised to make a bed for little Lexis' doll.  She's just turned five and has a plethora of toys at home but only one doll (a mermaid) at my house.  I didn't stop to think that I no longer have a bottomless supply of craft materials, I gave it all away when I downsized with the move into town last year.  Couldn't even find an old shoebox.  (Shoe boxes have endless potential!)

Thanks to pegs and a glue gun (thank heavens I didn't part with that) I managed something resembling a bed. 

Then using an old sheet, part of which had already been used for something else, and the stuffing from outdoor chair covers which I never use - and lots of pins - wallah, I had a mattress.  A bit lumpy, perhaps.  Surely she won't notice that.  You'll be relieved to hear I did sew it together.  The old fashioned way with needle and thread, hand sewn with love.

 

I must remember to ring my friend, Chris and tell her I misappropriated some of the material she gave me to make beeswax food wraps to make a bed cover and cover a bit more of the chair cover stuffing for the pillow.   

Happiness if enjoying the simple thing in life.  Yes, indeed.

Gee, I hope she likes it because I made two of them.  One for her home and one for here.  The other one had to be a double bed because that was the only other box I could find.  It has a warm blanket, too.

Both beds need some sheets. I think I might have to splash out and buy some material for that.

Hold on, I've just had a thought.  A cotton handerchief should do the trick.  She won't know what it is.  She belongs to the tissue generation.

Low tide, Whangarei Harbour

It seems like a long time ago although it was just 7 years ago.  When I was a working girl and had something resembling a social life, I often had an hour or two to fill between knock off time and social engagements.  If I just wanted to sit quietly by myself, my favourite go to place was down the harbour towards the port.  Yesterday, when I saw it was low tide, I had an urge to re-visit, I always liked this spot best when the tide was out.  Back then rarely was there anyone around, now I couldn't even gain access, the area is chained off.

So I went a bit further along the road and then had a short walk to get these shots.

 

My new camera and I were travelling to Taranaki back in July when my trip was cut short by a health scare and I returned unexpectedly home.  Yesterday I finally remembered to get a new memory card for my old camera.  Now, I've just got to remember to take it with me when I leave the house.

Hooray for the older persons

The International Day of Older Persons was yesterday.  I think.  I'm one of that number now and have the bad memory to prove it.  It’s meant to raise the awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today’s world.  But I'm not here to moan about all that.

This year’s theme ‘Digital Equity for All Ages’ reinforces the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by older people.  It's aim is to increase older persons trust and confidence in carrying out online activities.  So here I am doing my bit, doing it while I remember how.

And I'm never averse to sharing one of the great the joys of my advanced years, in this case my little great-grand-daughter, Lexis.  Here she is with a little surprise I had waiting for her, a pretty little mermaid who she named Alexander.  I suggested it might be Alexandra but she poo pooed that idea. And she didn't much like the idea of Alexander being a mermaid so her tail had to be removed and Lexis and I undertook our first joint venture of designing and making her a new skirt "that she could walk in'.  She's a practical child, could see no sense in having a tail. 

Lexis and her mother were at my place for haircuts from my daughter.  More of a trim than a cut but she didn't appreciate the difference and was more than a little concerned.  But she trusts her "Aunty Lone" and was a model client.

This was her second haircut, the first was also in my dining room, same hairdresser. 

She's losing her babyish look, growing so fast.  Off to school in the new year.  Ah, well.

I'm a bit late to the party for Mental Health Awareness Week which finishes today.  As I said in my previous post, I was feeling a bit unhinged last week but having that lovely connected feeling with my daughter, grand-daughter and g-g-daughter has put all that to rest.  Finding happiness in the simple things.

The seasons

 “It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~Mark Twain 

I feel slightly unhinged. I blame spring.

  

My memory travels down seasonal paths.

What’s that?  What restaurant?  Oh, yeah!  When were we last there?  I remember it was cold, windy, too.  Was it September?  I remember wearing the green coat, the one with the fabulous collar.  And Di wore a short sleeved dress and sandals, impatient for summer to arrive. How did she stay warm?  Oooh, and around the same time, do you remember that farewell do at the restaurant by the harbour before it changed hands?  Lisa was there.  She wore those really high heels, the red pair; she came to regret that choice around the end of her third drink.

'People' has become a season.  I remember hanging out with people, sometimes in large groups.  We sat next to each other, laughing out  loud into each other’s faces.  Sometimes we hugged and kissed each other's cheeks.

Now it's spring.  The sun rises, falls.  Little changes.  When did I last take time with my hair?  Was it yesterday?  Was it last week?   Does it matter?  

I hear people.  Sometimes I even see people. There are people just over that fence, walking to and from the sports-grounds, exercising their dogs, sometimes even in pairs talking to each other.   

But are they present?  They don't seem so to me while so much of them is hidden.  I seem to have to get up close to see what the eyes are saying behind the masks.  And that makes so many uncomfortable that I must desist.

 

People on TV.  I can see all their faces  but they annoy me with the ease with which they remove their masks so elegantly.  I want at least one to get their hair twisted in the elastic.